After multiple visits to Bali (Indonesia), here’s the honest month-by-month guide for Americans planning a trip. Real weather, real prices, real crowds.
The TL;DR
Best months overall: April-June or September-October. Best surf + good weather + fewer crowds.
Worst months for first-time visitors: August (most expensive + most crowded) or December-February (wet season).
Month-by-month breakdown
January
Wet season peak, daily rains, surf good at Padang Padang, low prices
February
Still wet but less consistent, prices low, fewer tourists
March
Wet season ending, Nyepi (Bali Silent Day) – everything closes for 24 hours
April
Dry season starts, perfect weather, fewer tourists, prices climbing
May
Excellent month – dry, warm, surf season starts on west coast
June
Peak dry season, perfect weather, prices climbing fast
July
Peak tourist season, perfect weather, expensive accommodation
August
Driest, busiest, most expensive month
September
Last full dry month, excellent surf at Uluwatu, fewer crowds
October
Dry season ends mid-month, surf starts switching to east coast
November
Wet season starts, prices dropping 30%, brief afternoon storms
December
Wet, but Christmas/New Year crowds drive prices back up briefly
What this means for booking flights
Flights from the US to Bali (Indonesia) typically cost:
- Peak season: $1,400-2,000+ round-trip
- Shoulder season: $800-1,200 round-trip
- Off-season: $500-900 round-trip
Use flight deal tools like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to catch fare drops. Set alerts 4-6 months before target travel dates.
Travel essentials for Bali (Indonesia)
- Travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Travel insurance – $50-150 for 2-week trip
- eSIM data plan ($9-25 for 10-30GB)
- Pre-travel checklist – 47 things Americans forget
Related guides
- USA Traveler’s Hub – All 60+ Guides
- Best Travel Photography Spots
- How to Plan Your First International Trip
FAQs
What’s the cheapest time to visit Bali (Indonesia) from the US?
Off-season months typically offer 50-70% lower flight prices and 40-60% lower hotel rates. For Bali (Indonesia), the off-season generally means avoiding peak tourist months in favor of shoulder or fully off-season travel.
When are flights to Bali (Indonesia) cheapest?
Book 10-16 weeks before departure. Tuesday/Wednesday flights are typically cheaper than weekend flights. Use flight deal alert services like Going for surprise fare drops on routes to Bali (Indonesia).
How much does a 2-week trip to Bali (Indonesia) cost?
Budget travelers: $1,800-2,500 per person all-in. Mid-range travelers: $2,500-4,500 per person. Luxury travelers: $5,000-12,000+ per person. Flights typically account for 30-40% of total trip cost.
Do I need a visa to visit Bali (Indonesia) as an American?
For most popular destinations, Americans receive visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for tourist stays under 90 days. Check the US State Department’s travel.state.gov for current Bali (Indonesia) entry requirements before booking.
What’s the best month to visit Bali (Indonesia)?
April-June or September-October. Best surf + good weather + fewer crowds. – this balances good weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices for most American travelers.